Original subtitles

This is me, Josie Gibson, when I was a kid.

This is me, Josie Gibson, when I was a kid.

Cute, right?

And I've struggled with weight loss my whole life.

And I've struggled with weight loss my whole life.

I've been everything from a size eight to a size 22.

I've been everything from a size eight to a size 22.

I've been everything from a size eight to a size 22.

Ooh!

It's nowhere near.

I tried the calorie-deficit diets, the keto diet.

I tried the calorie-deficit diets, the keto diet.

Oh, my God.

I've tried the shakes, fat burners, juice diets.

I've tried the shakes, fat burners, juice diets.

'None of it has worked for long.

'I've tried this stuff that tastes like cardboard.

'I've tried this stuff that tastes like cardboard.

'And it's all so complicated.'

'And it's all so complicated.'

I can't imagine there's much nutrition in it.

I can't imagine there's much nutrition in it.

This is my Auntie Ginny. She reckons...

This is my Auntie Ginny. She reckons...

There weren't no big people in the '70s, was there?

There weren't no big people in the '70s, was there?

So I spoke to the experts.

So I spoke to the experts.

Is it true that people were a lot smaller in the '70s?

Is it true that people were a lot smaller in the '70s?

Yeah, it is true, actually.

'And it turns out Ginny's got a point.'

'And it turns out Ginny's got a point.'

And now, in every area, every place, we're surrounded by food.

And now, in every area, every place, we're surrounded by food.

'It's given me a mad idea.'

'It's given me a mad idea.'

There you go.

'What if I ate a 1970s diet?'

'What if I ate a 1970s diet?'

Let's have a look. Oh, my Jeez!

Let's have a look. Oh, my Jeez!

That's slightly higher than we'd like it to be. Slightly?!

That's slightly higher than we'd like it to be. Slightly?!

'So, for two weeks, I'll be shopping...'

'So, for two weeks, I'll be shopping...'

Oh, my God. Liver?

'..cooking...'

Dried cooked beef, only 7%.

Dried cooked beef, only 7%.

'..eating...'

Do you know what? I'm gonna savour every bite.

Do you know what? I'm gonna savour every bite.

'..and exercising...'

Well, I think it works.

'..like they did 50 years ago.'

Carry on, be my guest.

Carry on, be my guest.

I'm basically Penelope Keith.

I'm basically Penelope Keith.

Do you want the beef Crispy Pancake?

'And I've got a few families...' Oh-ho-ho-ho!

'And I've got a few families...' Oh-ho-ho-ho!

'..joining my little experiment.'

Quite nice, that, innit? Is it?

Quite nice, that, innit? Is it?

Actually, I like this now.

'Could a 1970s diet really help me lose weight?'

'Could a 1970s diet really help me lose weight?'

'Could a 1970s diet really help me lose weight?'

Yeah, if this was all that was to offer in the '70s,

no-one would be obese.

'Get fitter?'

I need a little sit down, if I've got to be honest.

I need a little sit down, if I've got to be honest.

'And healthier?'

Look at this incredible spread I created.

Look at this incredible spread I created.

Look at this incredible spread I created.

If you believe that, you'll believe anything.

Though I didn't make an appearance until 1985...

Though I didn't make an appearance until 1985...

..like many people my age,

I was brought up by the 1970s generation.

I was brought up by the 1970s generation.

Oh, my God.

GINNY LAUGHS

GINNY LAUGHS

I bet all the boys were chasing you.

I bet all the boys were chasing you.

They didn't catch me, I could run.

They didn't catch me, I could run.

GINNY LAUGHS

You were so fit. Yeah.

You were so fit. Yeah.

'And one of those women who helped raise me

'And one of those women who helped raise me

'is my lovely Auntie Ginny.'

'is my lovely Auntie Ginny.'

You haven't changed. Still beautiful now.

Oh, thank you. I'll take that.

And what size would you have been? You looked minute.

And what size would you have been? You looked minute.

I was a ten, 22 waist.

I was a ten, 22 waist.

22 waist! Yeah.

I don't think my ankle's 22!

What did you eat like?

Loads of potatoes, vegetables,

Loads of potatoes, vegetables,

sausage and onions, liver and onions, things like that.

sausage and onions, liver and onions, things like that.

Remember bread pudding? Proper desserts.

Remember bread pudding? Proper desserts.

Yeah. Proper butter, full cream. That's what we lived on.

Yeah. Proper butter, full cream. That's what we lived on.

Yeah. Proper butter, full cream. That's what we lived on.

I think a 1970s diet could be for me.

I think a 1970s diet could be for me.

After all, it worked out for Auntie Ginny.

After all, it worked out for Auntie Ginny.

But to be sure, I'm going to need some professional help.

But to be sure, I'm going to need some professional help.

But to be sure, I'm going to need some professional help.

I'm on my way to meet Doctor Helen Lawal -

a medical doctor and nutritionist

a medical doctor and nutritionist

who I've asked to look into my theory

who I've asked to look into my theory

and see if there's any truth in it.

And it'd be rude not to meet in a 1970s-inspired restaurant.

And it'd be rude not to meet in a 1970s-inspired restaurant.

Once an exclusive private members' club,

Once an exclusive private members' club,

this London restaurant and its menu have never left the 1970s behind.

this London restaurant and its menu have never left the 1970s behind.

this London restaurant and its menu have never left the 1970s behind.

Hello, Helen. I feel like I've gone through a time warp.

Hello, Helen. I feel like I've gone through a time warp.

This place is amazing. Welcome.

And look at the table. Does it get much more '70s than that?

And look at the table. Does it get much more '70s than that?

HELEN LAUGHS

Is it true that people were a lot smaller in the '70s?

Is it true that people were a lot smaller in the '70s?

Is it true that people were a lot smaller in the '70s?

Yeah, it is true, actually.

We saw 10% of the population being obese back in the 1970s.

We saw 10% of the population being obese back in the 1970s.

Whereas now, these days, it's around the 25% mark, so...

Whereas now, these days, it's around the 25% mark, so...

That is huge, huge numbers. Yeah.

That is huge, huge numbers. Yeah.

We're seeing a lot more chronic disease and heart disease.

We're seeing a lot more chronic disease and heart disease.

What are they doing so differently? Was it a low-calorie diet?

What are they doing so differently? Was it a low-calorie diet?

Actually, the diet wasn't that low-calorie at all.

Actually, the diet wasn't that low-calorie at all.

It's quite high in fat.

They did eat carbs with every meal,

and a lot more red meat, interestingly.

My lovelies, bon appetit.

My lovelies, bon appetit.

Thank you.

Josie, I've taken the liberty of ordering for you.

Josie, I've taken the liberty of ordering for you.

Hope you don't mind.

I am noticing that mine's significantly smaller than yours.

I am noticing that mine's significantly smaller than yours.

You're right, it is smaller, and that's very much representative

You're right, it is smaller, and that's very much representative

of the portion size back in the 1970s.

of the portion size back in the 1970s.

I've never had a dinner and only eaten three spuds in my life.

I've never had a dinner and only eaten three spuds in my life.

It's the veg bit for me that's like, "Oh!"

So, one of the reasons we see a lot more obesity these days

So, one of the reasons we see a lot more obesity these days

is cos the portion sizes are so much bigger.

is cos the portion sizes are so much bigger.

Well, I'm gonna put my hands up. I overeat, I know that.

Well, I'm gonna put my hands up. I overeat, I know that.

My portion sizes do need a lot of work.

My portion sizes do need a lot of work.

I know they're too big.

So, I am dying to know about the diet that you've created for me.

So, I am dying to know about the diet that you've created for me.

Well, I've gone back in time and created a diet

based on the average calorie consumption

based on the average calorie consumption

of a woman in the 1970s.

It's a lot more basic than you would have in 2025.

It's a lot more basic than you would have in 2025.

Simple ingredients, lots of home-cooked food.

Simple ingredients, lots of home-cooked food.

Right, OK.

'So, I based Josie's diet on a government survey from 1974.'

'So, I based Josie's diet on a government survey from 1974.'

According to the data,

the average amount of calories an adult would have consumed

the average amount of calories an adult would have consumed

in any one day was around 2,300.

in any one day was around 2,300.

I looked at the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates

I looked at the amount of protein, fat and carbohydrates

people in the 1970s would have had in each meal,

people in the 1970s would have had in each meal,

and I matched that when pulling together the recipes

and I matched that when pulling together the recipes

for Josie to cook and eat.

What about the exercise, then,

cos I would imagine they moved a lot more in the '70s?

cos I would imagine they moved a lot more in the '70s?

Yeah, you're absolutely right.

Walking was a, you know... a normal part of everyday life back then,

Walking was a, you know... a normal part of everyday life back then,

especially the short trips like going to the shops,

especially the short trips like going to the shops,

going to see friends.

So, rather than jumping in the car,

I'd like you to do a 20-minute brisk walk six times a week.

I'd like you to do a 20-minute brisk walk six times a week.

So, it has to elevate your heart rate, get you a little bit sweaty.

So, it has to elevate your heart rate, get you a little bit sweaty.

Yes, sir!

Yes, sir!

I looked at data from the Department of Transport,

I looked at data from the Department of Transport,

and this showed that we take, on average,

and this showed that we take, on average,

20% less walking trips now than we did in the 1970s.

20% less walking trips now than we did in the 1970s.

So I'm going to be asking Josie to get moving

and up her step count on a daily basis.

and up her step count on a daily basis.

So, I've got a little present for you, Josie.

Oh, thank you. Don't get too excited.

Oh, thank you. Don't get too excited.

You shouldn't have.

It's a... It's a plate.

It's a... It's a plate.

But, actually, it's a 1970s plate. Thank you.

But, actually, it's a 1970s plate. Thank you.

So, it's not just the portion sizes which are much bigger now,

So, it's not just the portion sizes which are much bigger now,

it's the plate sizes as well.

it's the plate sizes as well.

Back in the 1970s, the average plate size was 22 centimetres,

Back in the 1970s, the average plate size was 22 centimetres,

Back in the 1970s, the average plate size was 22 centimetres,

whereas now, it's more like 28 centimetres.

whereas now, it's more like 28 centimetres.

Well, look at that compared to that. There's a huge difference.

Well, look at that compared to that. There's a huge difference.

Well, I thought it might be a useful reminder

Well, I thought it might be a useful reminder

so that you can keep an eye on those portion sizes.

so that you can keep an eye on those portion sizes.

So, what do you think is gonna happen after this diet?

So, what do you think is gonna happen after this diet?

Well, I don't know exactly what's gonna happen,

but I'd really like to see this as a bit of an experiment.

but I'd really like to see this as a bit of an experiment.

So be really open-minded, willing to try the 1970s food

So be really open-minded, willing to try the 1970s food

and really immerse yourself in the lifestyle.

and really immerse yourself in the lifestyle.

1970s food on the plate. Trainers on.

1970s food on the plate. Trainers on.

We've got this. Yeah. You've got this.

Well, I've got this, yeah. You've got this.

THEY LAUGH

I'm curious to see Helen's meal plan.

I'm curious to see Helen's meal plan.

But with over 2,000 calories a day and lots of fat,

But with over 2,000 calories a day and lots of fat,

is this diet really going to get me slimmer, fitter and healthier?

is this diet really going to get me slimmer, fitter and healthier?

is this diet really going to get me slimmer, fitter and healthier?

I shall be very intrigued as to how much I weigh at the end of this.

I shall be very intrigued as to how much I weigh at the end of this.

My tastebuds might be ready to do the time warp,

My tastebuds might be ready to do the time warp,

but I want to make sure I know what two weeks of '70s food

but I want to make sure I know what two weeks of '70s food

will do to my body.

We'll be sitting on the bike,

and I'll ask you to put on a heart rate monitor.

and I'll ask you to put on a heart rate monitor.

So you just want this nice, slow and steady?

Yes, at 50 revolutions per minute.

We're going to do that for six minutes.

Whoa, you all right?

This seat's not designed for a bum like this!

Nothing too major.

'So, I'm at Kingston Uni's sports science department

'So, I'm at Kingston Uni's sports science department

'with Doctor James Brouner...'

Bit faster than that. All right!

That's it.

Heart rate's sitting around 120, 119.

Is that good? That's really good.

Is that good? That's really good.

'..to find out what sort of shape I'm in before I begin the diet.'

'..to find out what sort of shape I'm in before I begin the diet.'

'..to find out what sort of shape I'm in before I begin the diet.'

So, your reading is really good. Is it?

That puts you into the superior category. Woohoo!

That puts you into the superior category. Woohoo!

JAMES LAUGHS

I'll be honest, I've never put a swim cap on in my life.

I'll be honest, I've never put a swim cap on in my life.

Looking great, but you wanna tuck the fringe in a bit there as well.

Looking great, but you wanna tuck the fringe in a bit there as well.

Ooh! Fantastic. Ready for the Olympics.

Ooh! Fantastic. Ready for the Olympics.

Thank you.

Before we get you sitting in the bod pod,

we'll have to ask you to stand on these scales

so we can get a calibrated mass for you.

So, if you wanna stand on those scales...

Do you know what? I've been so scared to step on the scales

Do you know what? I've been so scared to step on the scales

for a really long time.

Yeah, and it can be a really daunting thing.

Don't tell me, cos I'll get depressed.OK.

It's bad, I know.

OK, if you wanna take a seat there. OK.

OK, if you wanna take a seat there. OK.

SHE GROANS

Yeah. I'll lock you in.

Ahhh!

Ahhh!

'The bod pod is a fancy bit of kit

'The bod pod is a fancy bit of kit

'that uses air displacement to determine my fat-free mass,

'that uses air displacement to determine my fat-free mass,

'my fat percentage, and the dreaded total body weight.'

'my fat percentage, and the dreaded total body weight.'

'my fat percentage, and the dreaded total body weight.'

So, if you're sitting as still as you can, try not to talk,

So, if you're sitting as still as you can, try not to talk,

and we'll just get the results out in a few minutes.

OK, you can step out.

I don't think you'll get many bigger people in this pod, do you?

I don't think you'll get many bigger people in this pod, do you?

OK. Of what we can see is... 52% is our fat-free mass,

OK. Of what we can see is... 52% is our fat-free mass,

OK. Of what we can see is... 52% is our fat-free mass,

so the bones, organs and muscles make up 52% of you.

so the bones, organs and muscles make up 52% of you.

And 48% is our fat mass, and the fat makes up 48% of you.

And 48% is our fat mass, and the fat makes up 48% of you.

Are you trying to tell me really politely that I'm...

Are you trying to tell me really politely that I'm...

No, no, no. ..very fat?

Erm, did you wanna know your mass?

Erm, did you wanna know your mass?

How much you weigh? Let's have a look.

How much you weigh? Let's have a look.

Bloody hell! Oh, my Jeez!

Bloody hell! Oh, my Jeez!

'OK, I can't quite bring myself to say my weight out loud,

'OK, I can't quite bring myself to say my weight out loud,

'but stick around,

'and I might tell you just how bad things have got.'

'and I might tell you just how bad things have got.'

JOSIE GIBSON: 'I'm spending the next two weeks

JOSIE GIBSON: 'I'm spending the next two weeks

JOSIE GIBSON: 'I'm spending the next two weeks

'sticking to a 1970s diet and lifestyle because...'

'sticking to a 1970s diet and lifestyle because...'

Let's have a look. Bloody hell! Oh, my Jeez!

Let's have a look. Bloody hell! Oh, my Jeez!

'..things have got pretty bad, and I now weigh 102 kilos.'

'..things have got pretty bad, and I now weigh 102 kilos.'

'..things have got pretty bad, and I now weigh 102 kilos.'

That's slightly higher than we'd like it to be.

Slightly?! Slightly.

Everything is changeable,

and the body is a wonderful machine to adapt.

and the body is a wonderful machine to adapt.

And body fat can also be driven back down

And body fat can also be driven back down

with physical activity and with management of diet.

with physical activity and with management of diet.

Oh, you can have your swim cap back. HE LAUGHS

Oh, you can have your swim cap back. HE LAUGHS

Obviously, I have put on weight.

Obviously, I have put on weight.

To be given those sort of numbers is actually quite scary, really.

To be given those sort of numbers is actually quite scary, really.

I needed to do this for myself.

But I'm confused as to whether this 1970s diet -

But I'm confused as to whether this 1970s diet -

you know, the food that I'm gonna eat -

is gonna make me smaller.

I am a bit nervous cos I do not wanna get here

I am a bit nervous cos I do not wanna get here

and think I have put on weight again.

'Along with the fitness and depressing body measurement test,

'Along with the fitness and depressing body measurement test,

'Along with the fitness and depressing body measurement test,

'I'm also having a full blood screening, too.

'And I'll get the results from Helen in a few days' time.'

'And I'll get the results from Helen in a few days' time.'

Not the sort of coffee I would normally drink.

I normally have fancy filtered coffee.

But, you know, when in the '70s...

But, you know, when in the '70s...

Today is day one of my diet.

Today is day one of my diet.

Oh, a bit of a shell.

'And my first taste of the 1970s, fried eggs on toast for breakfast,

'And my first taste of the 1970s, fried eggs on toast for breakfast,

'And my first taste of the 1970s, fried eggs on toast for breakfast,

'with the quantities of everything I eat,

'with the quantities of everything I eat,

'including all this butter, dictated by Doctor Helen's diet.'

'including all this butter, dictated by Doctor Helen's diet.'

'including all this butter, dictated by Doctor Helen's diet.'

Oh, God, my eggs.

LAUGHS

Cor, it's really hard, the bread.

Cor, it's really hard, the bread.

I've gotta give up on the knife and fork. It's too hard.

I've gotta give up on the knife and fork. It's too hard.

After a popular marketing slogan

After a popular marketing slogan

sent the country to work on an egg in the '60s,

sent the country to work on an egg in the '60s,

many early '70s breakfasts still included this high-protein hit.

many early '70s breakfasts still included this high-protein hit.

many early '70s breakfasts still included this high-protein hit.

Apparently, Maggie Thatcher scoffed up to 28 of them per week

Apparently, Maggie Thatcher scoffed up to 28 of them per week

in the run-up to the '79 general election.

in the run-up to the '79 general election.

I mean, that's just weird, really.

Normally, I wouldn't have time to sit down and have breakfast

Normally, I wouldn't have time to sit down and have breakfast

because I've normally left the house at about five.

because I've normally left the house at about five.

So breakfast is not something I do.

So breakfast is not something I do.

You know, people haven't got the time any more. I don't, anyway.

You know, people haven't got the time any more. I don't, anyway.

'I might be more used to eating on the go,

'I might be more used to eating on the go,

'but for the next 14 days,

'I'll be sticking to Doctor Helen's '70s meal plan

'I'll be sticking to Doctor Helen's '70s meal plan

'and eating food prepped at home.'

'and eating food prepped at home.'

Right. A pressure cooker beef and mushroom stew.

Right. A pressure cooker beef and mushroom stew.

Now that I should be all right at. What else have we got?

Now that I should be all right at. What else have we got?

Creamy mushroom soup.

Oh, my God. Liver.

Oh, my God. Liver.

Angel Delight with tinned fruit.

Angel Delight with tinned fruit.

'Fortunately, I'm not on my own

'exploring the delights of the decade that taste forgot.

'exploring the delights of the decade that taste forgot.

'Three different households are taking a trip down memory lane...'

'Three different households are taking a trip down memory lane...'

'70s food? Devilled eggs.

'70s food? Devilled eggs.

Black Forest gateau.

..guinea-pigging some '70s classics...

..guinea-pigging some '70s classics...

Looks a bit gloopy. Yeah. Looks like liquid.

Looks a bit gloopy. Yeah. Looks like liquid.

Oh-ho-ho-ho! Chopped pork and ham.

Oh-ho-ho-ho! Chopped pork and ham.

Spam. Spam.

..and sampling some of the more out-there foods from 50 years ago.

..and sampling some of the more out-there foods from 50 years ago.

There's the Avery family from Surrey...

In the '70s, I was five to 15 years old,

In the '70s, I was five to 15 years old,

In the '70s, I was five to 15 years old,

and something that you used to cook was rabbit stew.

and something that you used to cook was rabbit stew.

You can't even buy a rabbit these days, can you, really?

You can't even buy a rabbit these days, can you, really?

You can't buy it in Sainsbury's now. Oh, no (!)

You can't buy it in Sainsbury's now. Oh, no (!)

I'm sure she'd love to make it for you one day if you ask her.

I'm sure she'd love to make it for you one day if you ask her.

It's so unfortunate that it's just not that accessible any more (!)

It's so unfortunate that it's just not that accessible any more (!)

..the Rileys from Barnsley...

..the Rileys from Barnsley...

Have you tried instant potato or anything like that?

Have you tried instant potato or anything like that?

No. No. It was dried potato.

You put the hot water on it, it bought it back to life.

You put the hot water on it, it bought it back to life.

Can you remember that Smash advert?

Robots in a spaceship, laughing at Earthlings.

Robots in a spaceship, laughing at Earthlings.

It was... # For mash, get Smash. #

It was... # For mash, get Smash. #

MUM AND DAD LAUGH, ALIENS LAUGH

MUM AND DAD LAUGH, ALIENS LAUGH

..and the Taylors from London.

Well, I remember things like casseroles and...

Well, I remember things like casseroles and...

You didn't have, like, pizza or something? No.

You didn't have, like, pizza or something? No.

I remember a sandwich that my mum used to make

which was made with tinned asparagus.

Ew. Tinned asparagus?

I don't like sandwiches anyway. You don't like sandwiches?

I don't like sandwiches anyway. You don't like sandwiches?

Sandwiches? Everyone had sandwiches.

Sandwiches? Everyone had sandwiches.

I've got the whole week laid out.

I've got the whole week laid out.

So, what I'm realising is that there's a lot

of buttery sliced white bread here.

of buttery sliced white bread here.

And there is a lot of home cooked-food,

And there is a lot of home cooked-food,

which means I am gonna be in the kitchen a lot,

which means I am gonna be in the kitchen a lot,

which means I am gonna be in the kitchen a lot,

and that worries me.

'It being day one of the diet,

'I've got to stock up on some '70s staples.'

'I've got to stock up on some '70s staples.'

Ordinarily, I would go to the supermarket,

but Helen wants me to shop like I'm in the 1970s,

but Helen wants me to shop like I'm in the 1970s,

so I am checking out independent shops with my trusted little bag.

so I am checking out independent shops with my trusted little bag.

so I am checking out independent shops with my trusted little bag.

Why did we ever stop using these? I think they're great.

Why did we ever stop using these? I think they're great.

Since the 1970s, the number of cars on the road in Britain

Since the 1970s, the number of cars on the road in Britain

has more than doubled to a whopping 33 million,

has more than doubled to a whopping 33 million,

meaning, back in the day, you were more likely

meaning, back in the day, you were more likely

to head to the shops on foot.

Better for the planet,

and means I'm ticking off one of Helen's brisk walks.

and means I'm ticking off one of Helen's brisk walks.

A third-generation greengrocer,

Gerald Rich has been working in this family-run business

Gerald Rich has been working in this family-run business

Gerald Rich has been working in this family-run business

since the 1970s, and maybe a bit before.

since the 1970s, and maybe a bit before.

Right, one kilo of potatoes.

Right, one kilo of potatoes.

Hello. Gerald, I need your advice. OK.

Hello. Gerald, I need your advice. OK.

I'm about to take on a 1970s diet. Right.

I'm about to take on a 1970s diet. Right.

People were a lot smaller back then.

I'm still small now.

Everyone come in a small package back then, though, didn't they?

Everyone come in a small package back then, though, didn't they?

They did. I presume you were around in the '70s?

They did. I presume you were around in the '70s?

I was around in the '70s.

I was around in the '70s.

There was probably 15 or 16 little greengrocery shops like this.

There was probably 15 or 16 little greengrocery shops like this.

They would sell traditional cabbages, leeks,

They would sell traditional cabbages, leeks,

curly kale, sprouts.

All seasonal produce.

Nothing was imported, then? Not before the supermarkets.

Nothing was imported, then? Not before the supermarkets.

We wouldn't sell any things like courgettes.

We wouldn't sell any things like courgettes.

It was all very much strawberries in the summer,

It was all very much strawberries in the summer,

sprouts in the winter.

Local produce was the norm in the early '70s compared to today,

Local produce was the norm in the early '70s compared to today,

when more than 40% of our veg and 80% of our fruit

when more than 40% of our veg and 80% of our fruit

is airfreighted into the country, pushing up food miles.

is airfreighted into the country, pushing up food miles.

is airfreighted into the country, pushing up food miles.

We had lots of stews in the winter,

and fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, things like that.

and fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, things like that.

So everything was very fresh and made from scratch?

So everything was very fresh and made from scratch?

Yes. Portions were very small.

Yes. Portions were very small.

Not necessarily small, but just healthy portions. Yeah.

Not necessarily small, but just healthy portions. Yeah.

Good homemade food, but never a packet of crisps

Good homemade food, but never a packet of crisps

or a little chocolate biscuit or anything like that between meals.

or a little chocolate biscuit or anything like that between meals.

Right, what have you got seasonal, then, on my list?

Right, what have you got seasonal, then, on my list?

On this list? Yeah.

Right, we've got some lovely cauliflower here,

just brought in this morning. Ooh.

A kilo of potatoes, please.

Kilo, yeah? And a...

You wouldn't have been asking for a kilo back in the '70s. Why?

You wouldn't have been asking for a kilo back in the '70s. Why?

You'd be asking for a pound of potatoes.

You'd be asking for a pound of potatoes.

I like working in pounds, anyway.

I like working in pounds, anyway.

All right, so there's your potatoes. Erm, carrots?

All right, so there's your potatoes. Erm, carrots?

Yep. There's a nice bunch of carrots for you.

Yep. There's a nice bunch of carrots for you.

Lovely, thank you. Well, I think that's everything, Gerald.

Lovely, thank you. Well, I think that's everything, Gerald.

OK, let's weigh it and take the payment, then. Lovely.

OK, let's weigh it and take the payment, then. Lovely.

Payment?!

Right. They're 1.30, then.

You writing it all down, are you? Yeah.

You're doing it old school, not using a calculator?

You're doing it old school, not using a calculator?

No, no. Do it properly and add it all up in columns.

No, no. Do it properly and add it all up in columns.

Like Carol Vorderman. Yeah!

THEY LAUGH

Right, that's 7.50 altogether, then, please.

Lovely. And I've got cash, cos back in the day,

they would have paid with a bit of cash.

That's exactly right.

Right, and there's your change, then, Josie. Thank you very much.

Right, and there's your change, then, Josie. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Wish me luck. Yeah, all the best. Bye for now.

Thank you. Wish me luck. Yeah, all the best. Bye for now.

In the late '60s and early '70s,

In the late '60s and early '70s,

supermarkets were in their infancy,

supermarkets were in their infancy,

and a third of the population still shopped in the greengrocers',

and a third of the population still shopped in the greengrocers',

the butchers', and, of course, the bakery...

the butchers', and, of course, the bakery...

..where white bread was the staple,

..where white bread was the staple,

with 75% more loaves sold in the '70s than today.

with 75% more loaves sold in the '70s than today.

So, no sort of nasties or additives in there.

So, no sort of nasties or additives in there.

Salt, water and yeast, you know. An excellent natural product.

Salt, water and yeast, you know. An excellent natural product.

That's 3.85, please.

£3.85. All right. Thank you.

Bread like this needs to be eaten within two to three days, ideally.

Bread like this needs to be eaten within two to three days, ideally.

Maybe freeze it if you don't think you can eat it all in one go.

Maybe freeze it if you don't think you can eat it all in one go.

Slice it, put it in the freezer, make it last longer. Thanks, Andy.

Slice it, put it in the freezer, make it last longer. Thanks, Andy.

Oof!

Next stop is the butcher's,

because the average person in the 1970s

because the average person in the 1970s

ate almost double the red meat we eat today.

ate almost double the red meat we eat today.

Gonna be needing 225 grams of liver, please.

Gonna be needing 225 grams of liver, please.

A chicken, some stewing beef, and 15 eggs.

A chicken, some stewing beef, and 15 eggs.

I've got some nice lamb's liver here today.

Do you want it as little slices, or as a piece?

Do you want it as little slices, or as a piece?

Do you know what? I'm not even sure if I've ever had liver before.

Do you know what? I'm not even sure if I've ever had liver before.

What's your recipe? Liver and onions.

What's your recipe? Liver and onions.

Oh, liver and onions. Yeah, gotta do it. Bit of bacon in there.

Oh, liver and onions. Yeah, gotta do it. Bit of bacon in there.

Have you had liver? Absolutely.

What I would do is just a few slices of that. Right.

What I would do is just a few slices of that. Right.

What I would do is just a few slices of that. Right.

To... I-I'm gonna be honest, it doesn't look like a steak.

To... I-I'm gonna be honest, it doesn't look like a steak.

'70s diet, definitely something that they would have eaten a lot more of,

'70s diet, definitely something that they would have eaten a lot more of,

but it's really rich, really good for you, delicious stuff.

but it's really rich, really good for you, delicious stuff.

I just think of Anthony Hopkins when I think liver.

I just think of Anthony Hopkins when I think liver.

Well, he does make it very tasty.

Yeah, with a bottle of Chianti. Yeah, absolutely.

Yeah, with a bottle of Chianti. Yeah, absolutely.

THEY MIMIC HANNIBAL LECTER

THEY MIMIC HANNIBAL LECTER

THEY LAUGH

'In the mid-1970s, food was more expensive.'

'In the mid-1970s, food was more expensive.'

50 years ago, people spent about 25% of their household income on food,

50 years ago, people spent about 25% of their household income on food,

so they were really careful with it, didn't waste it.

so they were really careful with it, didn't waste it.

Today, we spend about 11% of our income on food.

Today, we spend about 11% of our income on food.

In 1974, UK households bought 36 grams

In 1974, UK households bought 36 grams

In 1974, UK households bought 36 grams

of cheap, nutritious liver per week.

of cheap, nutritious liver per week.

I'll be interested to see how you get on with it.

I'll be interested to see how you get on with it.

It can be an acquired taste, put it that way. All right, OK!

It can be an acquired taste, put it that way. All right, OK!

THEY LAUGH

'40 years later, that figure had fallen to three grams.'

'40 years later, that figure had fallen to three grams.'

I was born in 1974, so I was a kid in the '70s.

I was born in 1974, so I was a kid in the '70s.

You look marvellous. You don't look your age.

You look marvellous. You don't look your age.

I know, I had a good diet.

We were eating offal, we were eating cheaper cuts, sausages.

We were eating offal, we were eating cheaper cuts, sausages.

Didn't really see a steak until the mid-'80s.

Didn't really see a steak until the mid-'80s.

Didn't really see a steak until the mid-'80s.

It was either liver, mince... God, we're so lucky, aren't we?

It was either liver, mince... God, we're so lucky, aren't we?

Yeah, we've got more choice now. That's the thing as well.

Yeah, we've got more choice now. That's the thing as well.

I think we're the generation, Generation X, where it started to...

I think we're the generation, Generation X, where it started to...

I think we're the generation, Generation X, where it started to...

get spoilt in terms of diet.

I mean, I didn't even see spaghetti bolognaise

I mean, I didn't even see spaghetti bolognaise

until I was about 13. Like...

until I was about 13. Like...

Spaghetti bolognaise weren't a thing?No.

Spaghetti bolognaise weren't a thing?No.

Mince, potatoes, maybe some peas if we were lucky.

Mince, potatoes, maybe some peas if we were lucky.

But essentials were there. Protein, vegetables and carbohydrates.

But essentials were there. Protein, vegetables and carbohydrates.

But essentials were there. Protein, vegetables and carbohydrates.

Here we go. Oh, look at all that!

Thank you, guys. You have really taken me back now.

Thank you, guys. You have really taken me back now.

First, there goes my liver. Bye, thank you.

First, there goes my liver. Bye, thank you.

'That's my first big shop on foot done.

'That's my first big shop on foot done.

'A real eye-opener, but taking longer than I expected,

'A real eye-opener, but taking longer than I expected,

'and now I'm a bit peckish.'

'and now I'm a bit peckish.'

Oh!

'All I've got for my day one lunch

'is a fish paste sandwich and a flask of tea.'

'is a fish paste sandwich and a flask of tea.'

Oh, God, the bus.

Right, then. Ooh!

As I head home to make dinner...

..the Rileys in Barnsley are cooking up

their own offal-based '70s treat.

their own offal-based '70s treat.

Right. What do you think, George? You can do that. I know you want to.

Right. What do you think, George? You can do that. I know you want to.

Kidneys and lemon. Yum!

Kidneys and lemon. Yum!

12 lamb kidneys, skinned and cored. Right, a sharp knife.

12 lamb kidneys, skinned and cored. Right, a sharp knife.

12 lamb kidneys, skinned and cored. Right, a sharp knife.

Feels really nice, actually. Are you sure?

Feels really nice, actually. Are you sure?

Now we have to cut it in half.

And you've got these veins that run through.

And you've got these veins that run through.

So we've gotta get those out, and that's where the scissors come in.

So we've gotta get those out, and that's where the scissors come in.

You're gonna have to have a go at one of these, you know.

You're gonna have to have a go at one of these, you know.

Yeah, no, that's not gonna work.

DAD LAUGHS

That's better. I've got to say, I'm looking forward to trying 'em,

That's better. I've got to say, I'm looking forward to trying 'em,

but it has been a long time.

I don't wanna waste any meat. We are in t'seventies.

I don't wanna waste any meat. We are in t'seventies.

Part of a wave of inventive recipes

Part of a wave of inventive recipes

that aimed to zhuzh up ordinary ingredients.

that aimed to zhuzh up ordinary ingredients.

Oh, tell you what. That smells absolutely lovely, that, George.

Oh, tell you what. That smells absolutely lovely, that, George.

There you go. Stir it round, four minutes.

Kidneys and lemon sits amongst other such classics as...

Kidneys and lemon sits amongst other such classics as...

boiled bacon with fruity sauce,

boiled bacon with fruity sauce,

cheese dip with liver mould,

cheese dip with liver mould,

and gammon steak and sauce Robert. Delish!

and gammon steak and sauce Robert. Delish!

and gammon steak and sauce Robert. Delish!

It does look nice.

I'm not a big fan of the smell.

It is a bit odd. You wanna try?

It is a bit odd. You wanna try?

Cooks quickly, though.

Quite nice, that, innit. Is it?

Quite nice, that, innit. Is it?

Well, it smells nice.

Smells a bit... off. It's just gross.

Smells a bit... off. It's just gross.

You've cooked it, I know. I daren't say owt else.

I'm really eager to try it.

Enjoy.

Well, that looks lovely, don't it? Oh...

Well, that looks lovely, don't it? Oh...

Very lemony. It's extremely lemony. Yeah.

Very lemony. It's extremely lemony. Yeah.

I think if this were with something else, it wouldn't be as bad.

I think if this were with something else, it wouldn't be as bad.

Swallow it like a pill.

Swallow it like a pill.

Have you tried it, Rob?

Yeah, it's, er... very metallic.

Nah, that is disgusting.

Nah, that is disgusting.

They used to hide it in a pie, didn't they, though,

with steak and gravy and mushrooms?

with steak and gravy and mushrooms?

And I hated mushrooms as a kid.

I wonder if it's actually them I hated.

I wonder if it's actually them I hated.

LAUGHING:It probably is!

Yeah, if this was all there was to offer in the '70s,

Yeah, if this was all there was to offer in the '70s,

no-one would be obese. Yeah.

'Back at home...'

I think I'm gonna have to...

Do you know what? I'm chopping this, and I just don't think I can eat it.

Do you know what? I'm chopping this, and I just don't think I can eat it.

It actually makes me wanna be a vegetarian.

It actually makes me wanna be a vegetarian.

LAUGHS

I'm used to eating, like, nice bits of beef.

But this feels totally alien to me,

But this feels totally alien to me,

and I just know I won't be able to eat it.

So, yeah, I have failed at the first hurdle,

So, yeah, I have failed at the first hurdle,

but I have got a nice bit of beef, and I'm really good at a beef stew.

but I have got a nice bit of beef, and I'm really good at a beef stew.

but I have got a nice bit of beef, and I'm really good at a beef stew.

JOSIE GIBSON: So, I've got breakfast,

JOSIE GIBSON: So, I've got breakfast,

dinner and tea sorted out.

What we've got is some pineapple chunks.

What we've got is some pineapple chunks.

That's a sandwich.

We've got a mushroom soup somewhere, so I'll have to warm that up.

We've got a mushroom soup somewhere, so I'll have to warm that up.

We've got a mushroom soup somewhere, so I'll have to warm that up.

And then we've got, erm... another sandwich.

And then we've got, erm... another sandwich.

And then we've got, erm... another sandwich.

A lot of bread.

Midway through week one of the 1970s diet,

Midway through week one of the 1970s diet,

and my first few days have been hectic.

and my first few days have been hectic.

Cooler bag. Here we go. Get my case.

Cooler bag. Here we go. Get my case.

This is the reality of somebody trying to stick to, erm,

This is the reality of somebody trying to stick to, erm,

This is the reality of somebody trying to stick to, erm,

homemade, freshly prepared meals of the 1970s.

homemade, freshly prepared meals of the 1970s.

homemade, freshly prepared meals of the 1970s.

A lot of us have got to get out to work just to pay the bills.

A lot of us have got to get out to work just to pay the bills.

I am a busy working mum. I'm always on the go.

I am a busy working mum. I'm always on the go.

We do a lot of miles, don't we, Tim? TIM:Yes.

We do a lot of miles, don't we, Tim? TIM:Yes.

So, I've got all my 1970s diet in a cool bag in the boot on ice

So, I've got all my 1970s diet in a cool bag in the boot on ice

So, I've got all my 1970s diet in a cool bag in the boot on ice

so I can stick to it while I'm on my job in Manchester. Ooh!

so I can stick to it while I'm on my job in Manchester. Ooh!

Thanks, Tim.

So I shall be in that helicopter,

So I shall be in that helicopter,

chomping on some corned beef sandwiches.

SHE LAUGHS

Because in the '70s, six out of every seven meals were made at home,

Because in the '70s, six out of every seven meals were made at home,

Because in the '70s, six out of every seven meals were made at home,

I've been eating a lot of sandwiches.

I've been eating a lot of sandwiches.

'And because I can't get to the shops...'

'And because I can't get to the shops...'

Eurgh!

"90% meat, the unique blend of prime pork and ham..."

"90% meat, the unique blend of prime pork and ham..."

So, I can't imagine what actually goes into that.

So, I can't imagine what actually goes into that.

I ain't ate pork in years, but, you know, I wanna try everything.

I ain't ate pork in years, but, you know, I wanna try everything.

Oh! But I'm just looking at that, and I'm thinking it's not for me.

Oh! But I'm just looking at that, and I'm thinking it's not for me.

Oh! But I'm just looking at that, and I'm thinking it's not for me.

'I'm opening a lot of cans.'

Another day, another tin.

Another day, another tin.

Now, I'm no Delia Smith, but I think that's a winner.

Now, I'm no Delia Smith, but I think that's a winner.

In the 1970s, tinned food was incredibly popular.

In the 1970s, tinned food was incredibly popular.

Most people didn't have freezers,

and tinned food was quick, it was convenient,

and, of course, you could keep it in the cupboard for a long time.

and, of course, you could keep it in the cupboard for a long time.

Daring where I fear to tread, our households are sampling

Daring where I fear to tread, our households are sampling

one of the most iconic canned foods of the era.

one of the most iconic canned foods of the era.

AVERY GRANDDAUGHTER: Oh-ho-ho-ho!

AVERY GRANDDAUGHTER: Oh-ho-ho-ho!

Spam. GRANDMA:Spam.

"Chopped pork and ham, minimum 90% meat."

"Chopped pork and ham, minimum 90% meat."

Oh, yeah.

TAYLOR FAMILY MUM: What do you think of the colour?

TAYLOR FAMILY MUM: What do you think of the colour?

This is literally dog food.

It actually smells a bit like dog food as well. I don't know.

It actually smells a bit like dog food as well. I don't know.

People have always looked down on tinned food,

People have always looked down on tinned food,

but in the '70s, actually, there was still some tinned food

but in the '70s, actually, there was still some tinned food

that felt quite posh or quite exciting -

like pineapple in juice, for example.

like pineapple in juice, for example.

TAYLOR FAMILY MUM: To be honest, I do remember

my mum having tinned ham.

Hmm! Actually, I like this now.

Hmm! Actually, I like this now.

What's really interesting, in the pandemic,

What's really interesting, in the pandemic,

people really reached for tinned food again.

people really reached for tinned food again.

And, of course, it was convenient,

but it might have been nostalgic, a little bit comforting.

but it might have been nostalgic, a little bit comforting.

No, you can definitely have that for Spam, egg and chips. Yeah.

No, you can definitely have that for Spam, egg and chips. Yeah.

I'd happily have that as a little nice breakfast, Spam salad.

I'd happily have that as a little nice breakfast, Spam salad.

Or a sandwich, yeah.

And after a few days of constantly reaching for the can opener,

And after a few days of constantly reaching for the can opener,

And after a few days of constantly reaching for the can opener,

I'm craving something fresher.

CHICKENS CLUCK

Fortunately for me, in the mid-'70s,

Fortunately for me, in the mid-'70s,

there was an alternative way of living

that enjoyed a boom in popularity -

that enjoyed a boom in popularity -

self-sufficiency.

THEY LAUGH

Are you Alan? Yes, I'm Alan.

I'm Josie. Nice to meet you. Yeah, yeah.

Can I have a look?

'And I'm here at St Werburghs City Farm and Allotments

'And I'm here at St Werburghs City Farm and Allotments

'in Bristol to meet Alan...'

I've got spinach, onions at the top. Sprouts for bloody Christmas, look.

I've got spinach, onions at the top. Sprouts for bloody Christmas, look.

I've got spinach, onions at the top. Sprouts for bloody Christmas, look.

'..warden of the allotments,

'and someone who has spent the past 50 years and more...'

'and someone who has spent the past 50 years and more...'

Look at the size of your bulbs!

Look at the size of your bulbs!

'..perfecting the art of growing his own.'

'..perfecting the art of growing his own.'

And what's that big old plant there?

And what's that big old plant there?

Erm, that is a banana tree.

Erm, that is a banana tree.

You're growing a banana tree? We never get bananas off it!

You're growing a banana tree? We never get bananas off it!

THEY LAUGH

After helping feed the country through two world wars,

After helping feed the country through two world wars,

the nation's allotments had been in decline for decades

the nation's allotments had been in decline for decades

until the 1970s,

when a growing interest in self-sufficiency

when a growing interest in self-sufficiency

saw a surge in allotment ownership,

with 96% of plots occupied by 1977.

with 96% of plots occupied by 1977.

with 96% of plots occupied by 1977.

And what makes good soil, Al?

How do you make it? You just picked that up.

That is manure.

That is manure.

THEY LAUGH

THEY LAUGH

SHE SNIFFS

Lovely!

Why was it, Al, that allotments were so popular in the '70s, then?

Why was it, Al, that allotments were so popular in the '70s, then?

Well, fresh veg.

In the '70s, it was more expensive in the shops.

In the '70s, it was more expensive in the shops.

In the '70s, it was more expensive in the shops.

The mid-1970s were a tumultuous time in Britain,

The mid-1970s were a tumultuous time in Britain,

with industrial action, power cuts and heatwaves...

with industrial action, power cuts and heatwaves...

REPORTER:'Wage increases have been held to only 5%

REPORTER:'Wage increases have been held to only 5%

'since the middle of 1975,

'since the middle of 1975,

'and for many Britons, it means a real cut in living standards.'

'and for many Britons, it means a real cut in living standards.'

..all combining to create food shortages...

..all combining to create food shortages...

CHANTING:We want a lot more allotments!

CHANTING:We want a lot more allotments!

Which meant growing your own wasn't just a lifestyle choice

Which meant growing your own wasn't just a lifestyle choice

for many of Alan's generation.

What do we want? Allotments!

What do we want? Allotments!

When do we want them? Now!

The allotment in those days,

it was bloody cheaper, and everybody grow their own stuff.

it was bloody cheaper, and everybody grow their own stuff.

Did one neighbour grow one thing and another neighbour grow another,

Did one neighbour grow one thing and another neighbour grow another,

and then you'd exchange, like, courgettes?

and then you'd exchange, like, courgettes?

You'd exchange plants or vegetables or something like that.

You'd exchange plants or vegetables or something like that.

So you'd have a swapsie. I've swapped a lot.

So you'd have a swapsie. I've swapped a lot.

SHE LAUGHS

You do some digging here. Right, OK. Cool.

You do some digging here. Right, OK. Cool.

You've gotta dig all this? Yeah.

You've gotta dig all this? Yeah.

Just dig up and turn it. Dig it up and turn it. Ooh, God.

Just dig up and turn it. Dig it up and turn it. Ooh, God.

Oh! Bloody hell. Oh!

Oh! Bloody hell. Oh!

Oh! Bloody hell. Oh!

You do all this, do you? Yeah.

You do all this, do you? Yeah.

Oh, my God. Right, OK.

Oh, my God. Right, OK.

Put the fork in, put your foot on it,

press it down and then turn it.

press it down and then turn it.

Oh, I see, there's a knack to it.

Oh, I see, there's a knack to it.

Oh, it feels quite liberating, doesn't it?

Oh, it feels quite liberating, doesn't it?

I'm quite enjoying this. Carry on, be my guest.

I'm quite enjoying this. Carry on, be my guest.

Quite therapeutic.

Do you remember The Good Life, Al?

They invite their posh neighbours round to help with the allotment.

They invite their posh neighbours round to help with the allotment.

Yeah, and there was a lady walking along the path,

Yeah, and there was a lady walking along the path,

and she fell, fell down.

Well, don't fall over here.

Watched by over 16 million viewers a week in its heyday,

Watched by over 16 million viewers a week in its heyday,

'70s sitcom The Good Life championed the self-sufficiency movement.

'70s sitcom The Good Life championed the self-sufficiency movement.

'70s sitcom The Good Life championed the self-sufficiency movement.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I hereby declare our first harvest well and truly gathered.

I hereby declare our first harvest well and truly gathered.

The story of Tom and Barbara,

an ordinary couple who opt out of the rat race

an ordinary couple who opt out of the rat race

to farm their suburban home,

much to the annoyance of their neighbours Margo and Jerry,

much to the annoyance of their neighbours Margo and Jerry,

struck a chord with the nation.

struck a chord with the nation.

Now, that is a miracle.

One of you so much as sniggers, I'm going straight back indoors.

One of you so much as sniggers, I'm going straight back indoors.

I think I've done quite a good job with that.That's it, yeah.

I think I've done quite a good job with that.That's it, yeah.

You've done more than what some people ever do.

You've done more than what some people ever do.

Thank you.

It's tiring, isn't it? Yeah. You do well.

It's tiring, isn't it? Yeah. You do well.

It does keep you fit, doesn't it? You did pretty well.

It does keep you fit, doesn't it? You did pretty well.

Oh, look at that rain. It's raining!

Oh, look at that rain. It's raining!

We need all that rain to grow our beautiful fruit and veg.

We need all that rain to grow our beautiful fruit and veg.

ALAN CHUCKLES

Cheers to you. Cheers.

Here you are. That's what it was like in the old days.

Here you are. That's what it was like in the old days.

Oh, my goodness, who's that? Me.

Oh, my goodness, who's that? Me.

Is that you? Yeah.

Look how muscly you are!

But you got that physique just from growing?

But you got that physique just from growing?

Well... People go in the gym now to get the physique like that.

Well... People go in the gym now to get the physique like that.

I still dig mine by hand.

I still dig mine by hand.

Bet you had all the ladies waiting at the cabbage patch for you.

Bet you had all the ladies waiting at the cabbage patch for you.

People don't know what it was like in the old days.

People don't know what it was like in the old days.

It was very hard.

It was power cuts, there was shortage of everything,

It was power cuts, there was shortage of everything,

There was just no food wasted.

There was just no food wasted.

So spoilt, aren't we? Yes.

So spoilt, aren't we? Yes.

You lot had it really hard. Now it's so easy, innit?

You lot had it really hard. Now it's so easy, innit?

Easy now. It's me, me, me first, and that's it.

Easy now. It's me, me, me first, and that's it.

I think it's probably because we haven't had those hard times,

I think it's probably because we haven't had those hard times,

so we've consumed without a conscience.

so we've consumed without a conscience.

Right. And probably don't have

as much respect as what you would have,

as much respect as what you would have,

because you had to work for absolutely everything back then.

because you had to work for absolutely everything back then.

Yeah. I prefer it in the '70s.

Yeah. I prefer it in the '70s.

Now, cars on the bloody road,

Now, cars on the bloody road,

space offenders, this and that and all the rest.

space offenders, this and that and all the rest.

HE SHUDDERS

If I want something, I just nip to the supermarket

If I want something, I just nip to the supermarket

and have fruit and veg in abundance, whatever you like.

and have fruit and veg in abundance, whatever you like.

But I quite like it.

Get out there.

THEY LAUGH

THEY LAUGH

'Fortunately, Alan can forgive my 2020s attitude...'

'Fortunately, Alan can forgive my 2020s attitude...'

Oh! Thank you very much. All right?

Oh! Thank you very much. All right?

Oh, it's like a little pearl.

HE LAUGHS

'..and believes for hard work...'

'..and believes for hard work...'

Here you are. '..fair pay.'

Oh, thank you. I'm gonna cook that tonight.

Oh, thank you. I'm gonna cook that tonight.

Right, do you want some onions? Thanks, Al.

Right, do you want some onions? Thanks, Al.

You should be able to carry this home. Ah, lovely!

You should be able to carry this home. Ah, lovely!

Right. Much appreciated.

SHE GASPS

HE LAUGHS

SIZZLING

SIZZLING

I've never tasted a cauliflower that peppery before.

I've never tasted a cauliflower that peppery before.

Tastes so fresh. It's like a totally different vegetable.

Tastes so fresh. It's like a totally different vegetable.

Tastes so fresh. It's like a totally different vegetable.

'Back at home...'

So, normally, I chuck the leaves away.

But Alan said to eat all the leaves,

he said they're a really good part of the vegetable,

he said they're a really good part of the vegetable,

so I'm gonna eat the leaves.

'And, fresh from the allotment,

'I'm cooking up a '70s-inspired veg soup.'

'I'm cooking up a '70s-inspired veg soup.'

They did not waste anything in the '70s.

They did not waste anything in the '70s.

I am not wasting a little snippet of this.

I am not wasting a little snippet of this.

Look at that, I'm proud of that.

And I wish I could put that smell down this phone.

And I wish I could put that smell down this phone.

There is more flavour in this dinner than I think I've had all week.

There is more flavour in this dinner than I think I've had all week.

There is more flavour in this dinner than I think I've had all week.

I cannot wait to eat this.

Wow. I have just tried some of this. Delia Smith, eat your heart out.

Wow. I have just tried some of this. Delia Smith, eat your heart out.

It is one of the most beautiful soups I've ever tried in my life.

It is one of the most beautiful soups I've ever tried in my life.

Everything is so fresh, and it's gorgeous.

Everything is so fresh, and it's gorgeous.

'The next few days of the diet were a bit of a juggling act for me.'

'The next few days of the diet were a bit of a juggling act for me.'

Guess what they got for me tomorrow, then, Gin?

Guess what they got for me tomorrow, then, Gin?

Bloody fish paste sandwich.

Over these two days, I'm shooting an advert.

Cos you're shooting all day and they're long days,

Cos you're shooting all day and they're long days,

I've had to wake up really early to walk round Chester,

I've had to wake up really early to walk round Chester,

get those 20 minutes of brisk walking in.

get those 20 minutes of brisk walking in.

'Sticking to my steps...'

'Sticking to my steps...'

But I did not snack yesterday,

But I did not snack yesterday,

whereas before, I'd probably have a few snackies

whereas before, I'd probably have a few snackies

cos there were so many laid out on the side,

cos there were so many laid out on the side,

whereas, erm, I didn't snack one little bit.

whereas, erm, I didn't snack one little bit.

'..resisting temptation...'

All these goodies, none of that has passed my lips.

All these goodies, none of that has passed my lips.

All these goodies, none of that has passed my lips.

'..and when I am at home, fitting in all the cooking.'

'..and when I am at home, fitting in all the cooking.'

So, I'm back in the kitchen.

Oh, God, I've just got so much admiration

of the women back then.

Every day would be a working day.

I know they were at home,

looking after the family and always in the kitchen,

looking after the family and always in the kitchen,

but when did you ever get any time off?

'But as I head towards the end of week one...'

'But as I head towards the end of week one...'

So, I'm just filming an advert,

and, erm, I've got to warm up my creamy mushroom soup.

and, erm, I've got to warm up my creamy mushroom soup.

Mmm. Oh, no. I don't like it.

Mmm. Oh, no. I don't like it.

Mmm. Oh, no. I don't like it.

But I've gotta stop myself from going to the food van,

But I've gotta stop myself from going to the food van,

cos there's a beautiful catering van here with lots of different food on.

cos there's a beautiful catering van here with lots of different food on.

Like an array of food, choice of food from all round the world.

Like an array of food, choice of food from all round the world.

And I'm stuck with a mushroom soup that... I don't like.

And I'm stuck with a mushroom soup that... I don't like.

While I'm not feeling hungry, I am definitely lacking something.

While I'm not feeling hungry, I am definitely lacking something.

While I'm not feeling hungry, I am definitely lacking something.

So, I have been on this diet since Tuesday.

And I've tried to live like I'm in the '70s,

And I've tried to live like I'm in the '70s,

I've eaten like I'm in the '70s.

And all I can say, it is very, very bland.

And all I can say, it is very, very bland.

I have not felt hungry on this diet, but I do miss...

I have not felt hungry on this diet, but I do miss...

I have not felt hungry on this diet, but I do miss...

something that will, you know, set off my tastebuds again.

something that will, you know, set off my tastebuds again.

A Thai, a Mexican, something that tickles my tastebuds,

A Thai, a Mexican, something that tickles my tastebuds,

A Thai, a Mexican, something that tickles my tastebuds,

something that makes my tastebuds think that they're alive.

something that makes my tastebuds think that they're alive.

Luckily, day seven's diet plan is delivering.

Luckily, day seven's diet plan is delivering.

Gin, have you ever had a Vesta Beef Curry?Never.

Gin, have you ever had a Vesta Beef Curry?Never.

You empty the curry dry sauce mix into a saucepan.

You empty the curry dry sauce mix into a saucepan.

You basically just add water.

You basically just add water.

It's just the convenience, isn't it, of it all?

It's just the convenience, isn't it, of it all?

So, this would have been very...

So, this would have been very...

Exotic? GINNY LAUGHS

Exotic? GINNY LAUGHS

We don't need to chop. OK. No.

We don't need to chop. OK. No.

We don't need to prepare anything. We just add water.

We don't need to prepare anything. We just add water.

It's brilliant, really, isn't it?

It's like a ration pack for when you go climbing up mountains.

It's like a ration pack for when you go climbing up mountains.

By the end of the decade, people have a bit more money.

By the end of the decade, people have a bit more money.

They start to go on holiday to exotic places.

They start to go on holiday to exotic places.

And that's a real wake-up call to our tastebuds.

And that's a real wake-up call to our tastebuds.

And we start to get really interested

in exotic flavours and spices,

in exotic flavours and spices,

and manufacturers respond to that.

Bring to the boil and then simmer it.

I can't see any beef in it, can you?

I can't see any beef in it, can you?

Oh, there it is. Oh, right, OK. Here we go.

Oh, there it is. Oh, right, OK. Here we go.

Dried cooked beef, 7%.

Dried cooked beef, 7%.

A lot more mums were going back to work after having their kids,

A lot more mums were going back to work after having their kids,

and all those mums needed fast convenient food.

and all those mums needed fast convenient food.

And that's why convenient food really takes off.

And that's why convenient food really takes off.

There it is. I found some.

There it is. I found some.

It looks quite nice. Is that the beef?

It looks quite nice. Is that the beef?

Yeah. Oh, no. That's an olive, isn't it?

Yeah. Oh, no. That's an olive, isn't it?

That is a bit of beef. Is it?

Tastes like a dog biscuit.

Has it got to cook a bit longer?

'It might not be a katsu curry takeaway,

'It might not be a katsu curry takeaway,

'but when on the '70s diet...'

'but when on the '70s diet...'

Right. Are you hungry?

That's enough for me. You can have the beef.

That's enough for me. You can have the beef.

I don't think it's meant to be this watery.No.

I don't think it's meant to be this watery.No.

Mmm!

I like the fruitiness of it.

Mm. Mm.

Mm. Mm.

Yeah, it does... Erm, it's got an acquired taste.

Yeah, it does... Erm, it's got an acquired taste.

THEY LAUGH

I'm so sorry, cos I think this is the only dinner

I'm so sorry, cos I think this is the only dinner

I've ever cooked you.

Don't want another one, Jos.

THEY LAUGH

JOSIE GIBSON: 'My first week of being on a 1970s diet

JOSIE GIBSON: 'My first week of being on a 1970s diet

JOSIE GIBSON: 'My first week of being on a 1970s diet

'is almost over.'

All I can say, it is very, very bland.

All I can say, it is very, very bland.

Has this helped your craving for flavours?

Has this helped your craving for flavours?

Not the flavour I was looking for. No, I understand.

Not the flavour I was looking for. No, I understand.

THEY LAUGH

'And I'll be honest, there's quite a few things

'And I'll be honest, there's quite a few things

'that I'm starting to miss from the 2020s.'

'that I'm starting to miss from the 2020s.'

I think we need to wash this curry down.I do as well.

'Ordinarily, at a moment like this,

'Ordinarily, at a moment like this,

'I'd have a glass of wine out of the fridge.'

'I'd have a glass of wine out of the fridge.'

Quick!

'But because, in the 1970s,

'most people didn't drink alcohol at home...'

Let's go.

'..Ginny and I are heading down the pub.'

'..Ginny and I are heading down the pub.'

"Hippies, use backdoor!"

"Hippies, use backdoor!"

Hello, Malcolm, how are you? MALCOLM:Hello again.

Hello, Malcolm, how are you? MALCOLM:Hello again.

How are you, ladies? You all right? Yeah.

'And to be honest,

'it's a pub that hasn't changed that much since the '70s...'

'it's a pub that hasn't changed that much since the '70s...'

Go on, Gin.

Oh! Oh! Nice!

Oh! Oh! Nice!

'..with even an old skittles alley.'

'..with even an old skittles alley.'

Here we go. Right.

Oh, that's it. Yeah! That's it.

Oh, that's it. Yeah! That's it.

Feels good when you get them laid down, doesn't it?Yeah.

Feels good when you get them laid down, doesn't it?Yeah.

Malcolm, we would like to try some drinks

Malcolm, we would like to try some drinks

that they would have drank back in the '70s.

Right, yeah, I think I've got some here out the back.

Right, yeah, I think I've got some here out the back.

We're gonna be like ladies in the '70s.

Yeah, lady. Ladies.

Yeah, lady. Ladies.

Oh, Babycham was very popular. You wanna try a Babycham?

Oh, Babycham was very popular. You wanna try a Babycham?

'Luckily for me, Helen's factored in

'the calories of a few drinks tonight -

'the calories of a few drinks tonight -

'so long as I take small sips.'

Oh, my God, you've even got the Babycham glasses!Yeah.

Oh, my God, you've even got the Babycham glasses!Yeah.

Babycham would have been the champagne

back in the day, wouldn't it?

It would. It would have been affordable champagne.Yeah.

It would. It would have been affordable champagne.Yeah.

Cheers, Gin, cheers.

'Better hope these '70s drinks don't taste too nice.'

'Better hope these '70s drinks don't taste too nice.'

Really nice. It goes down a bit too quick, doesn't it?

Really nice. It goes down a bit too quick, doesn't it?

50-plus years ago,

pubs were traditionally the domain of beer-swilling blokes.

pubs were traditionally the domain of beer-swilling blokes.

There was even a law that allowed a woman to be refused service

There was even a law that allowed a woman to be refused service

if she wasn't accompanied by a man.

if she wasn't accompanied by a man.

But in the '70s, you couldn't keep women out any longer.

But in the '70s, you couldn't keep women out any longer.

Literally, for one pub in Aberdeen, where, in 1973,

Literally, for one pub in Aberdeen, where, in 1973,

a group of women stormed the bar and tore down a "no ladies" sign.

a group of women stormed the bar and tore down a "no ladies" sign.

a group of women stormed the bar and tore down a "no ladies" sign.

And with a new feminine energy bringing a touch of class

And with a new feminine energy bringing a touch of class

to the spit and sawdust...

Cherry beer. We've got a cherry beer as well.

Cherry beer. We've got a cherry beer as well.

..the drinks companies didn't miss a trick marketing to them.

..the drinks companies didn't miss a trick marketing to them.

Right, thank you, Malcolm.

You're supposed to have your little pinky out.

You're supposed to have your little pinky out.

I thought I have. That's it.

Is that what you did? Yeah. Yeah.

All right.

LAUGHTER

RILEY FAMILY MUM:Ooh, what have we got here?

Cocktails. Cocktails.

Ginny and I aren't the only ones sampling some iconic '70s drinks.

Ginny and I aren't the only ones sampling some iconic '70s drinks.

Ginny and I aren't the only ones sampling some iconic '70s drinks.

I say, "Resurrect cocktail hour." Yeah!

I say, "Resurrect cocktail hour." Yeah!

THEY LAUGH

In the mid-'70s, disco landed on nightclub dancefloors

In the mid-'70s, disco landed on nightclub dancefloors

up and down the country...

We're gonna have a go at the Blue Hawaii.

We're gonna have a go at the Blue Hawaii.

..bringing with it flares...

Probably more about the look than the taste back in the day,

Probably more about the look than the taste back in the day,

especially with the blue stuff.

How do you say that? Is it "cur-ack-o?" Curacao.

How do you say that? Is it "cur-ack-o?" Curacao.

..fashion, and pretty lurid-looking drinks...

..fashion, and pretty lurid-looking drinks...

I was always a bit sceptical of drinks that colour.

I was always a bit sceptical of drinks that colour.

Well, it's a natural thing, in't it? You're not supposed to eat blue.

Well, it's a natural thing, in't it? You're not supposed to eat blue.

It's like suntan lotion.

..with very of-the-time names.

..with very of-the-time names.

Harvey Wallbanger.

Italian liqueur. Oh, that'll be nice.

Perhaps best we forget about the Slow Comfortable Screw.

Perhaps best we forget about the Slow Comfortable Screw.

Ready? Go.

Go on. Oh, look at you, eh?

Go on. Oh, look at you, eh?

Oh, look at the colour of yours! Mine's awesome.

Oh, look at the colour of yours! Mine's awesome.

Mum used to bring me the little umbrellas back, like this one,

Mum used to bring me the little umbrellas back, like this one,

and I used to use them for my Sindy dolls.

This looks insane. That looks awesome!

This looks insane. That looks awesome!

This is even more green than I've seen them before.

Cherry on? That looks good.

Look at that. Absolutely perfect.

Look at that. Absolutely perfect.

Cheers. Cheers.

Goodness me.

Oh, that's very pineapple and coconutty, isn't it?

Oh, that's very pineapple and coconutty, isn't it?

It tastes like you could swim in it. Yeah.

It tastes like you could swim in it. Yeah.

Chlorine.

Try that. Thank you.

I don't think we had cocktails in mining towns.

I don't think we had cocktails in mining towns.

You can't taste the alcohol.

No, you keep trying, though, just in case you can. Just to see!

No, you keep trying, though, just in case you can. Just to see!

Despite its reputation as the party decade,

Despite its reputation as the party decade,

people in the 1970s drank nowhere near as much booze as we do today.

people in the 1970s drank nowhere near as much booze as we do today.

people in the 1970s drank nowhere near as much booze as we do today.

So, now, we drink more than twice as much alcohol as a nation

So, now, we drink more than twice as much alcohol as a nation

as we did in the '70s.

as we did in the '70s.

And interestingly, where we drink, that has really changed.

And interestingly, where we drink, that has really changed.

In those days, you could go to an off-licence, you could go to a pub.

In those days, you could go to an off-licence, you could go to a pub.

And now you can go to a supermarket, a corner shop.

And now you can go to a supermarket, a corner shop.

There is alcohol, really, everywhere.

There is alcohol, really, everywhere.

So, in the early '70s, 95% of beer was drunk in pubs,

So, in the early '70s, 95% of beer was drunk in pubs,

and now that figure is less than 50%.

and now that figure is less than 50%.

Now, people do actually get intoxicated. Back in the '70s...

Now, people do actually get intoxicated. Back in the '70s...

They never had the money to have as many of these drinks. No, exactly.

They never had the money to have as many of these drinks. No, exactly.

One or two, and that'd be their lot.

Oh, really? Yeah. Definitely not.

But with 45% of people smoking in the mid-'70s,

But with 45% of people smoking in the mid-'70s,

almost twice the amount of deaths from heart disease,

almost twice the amount of deaths from heart disease,

and 20% more deaths from lung cancer than today,

and 20% more deaths from lung cancer than today,

I'm starting to realise that with the '70s,

I'm starting to realise that with the '70s,

you've got to take the rough with the smooth.

you've got to take the rough with the smooth.

Thank you, Malcolm. That was a real insight into the '70s.Yes.

Thank you, Malcolm. That was a real insight into the '70s.Yes.

Good. Have a nice evening.

Bye-bye, Malcolm. Bye.

Week one of my '70s experiment is completed,

Week one of my '70s experiment is completed,

and I'm halfway through my mission

to discover if a time-travelling diet and lifestyle

to discover if a time-travelling diet and lifestyle

could make me thinner, fitter and healthier.

could make me thinner, fitter and healthier.

I've got a bit of a fuzzy head this morning.

Nothing to write home about, no beer fear.

Nothing to write home about, no beer fear.

I'm feeling good, I'm out having a walk,

I'm feeling good, I'm out having a walk,

I'm getting my steps up.

'But I've just heard from Doctor Helen

'that she's noticed something unexpected in my blood test

'that she's noticed something unexpected in my blood test

'that could throw everything up in the air.

'that could throw everything up in the air.

'I'm jumping on a call to find out more.'

'I'm jumping on a call to find out more.'

Hello, Helen, how are you?

Hi, Josie, good to see you. How's it all going?

Hi, Josie, good to see you. How's it all going?

Well, I've had my ups and my downs, you know.

Well, I've had my ups and my downs, you know.

Well, is there anything in particular

you found challenging about the diet?

The lack of time,

the meal preparation has been a bit of a challenge with my schedule.

the meal preparation has been a bit of a challenge with my schedule.

Trying to fit the exercise in, getting up really early. And, erm...

Trying to fit the exercise in, getting up really early. And, erm...

Trying to fit the exercise in, getting up really early. And, erm...

I have noticed a little bit of pain in two of my little toes.

I have noticed a little bit of pain in two of my little toes.

Oh, that's interesting you say that,

Oh, that's interesting you say that,

because I noticed in the blood tests that you had

before you started the diet

that your uric acid levels were slightly elevated.

that your uric acid levels were slightly elevated.

And we know that with really high uric acid levels in the body,

And we know that with really high uric acid levels in the body,

that can predispose to a type of arthritis called gout.

that can predispose to a type of arthritis called gout.

You think I've got gout? It's... It's a bit of a shock.

You think I've got gout? It's... It's a bit of a shock.

You think I've got gout? It's... It's a bit of a shock.

Can somebody help me?

'I face up to Helen's shocking news.'

'I face up to Helen's shocking news.'

What does that mean for us going forward?

'And the experiment throws up some surprising results.'

'And the experiment throws up some surprising results.'

Right, what's the damage?